Federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a National Arts, Cultural, Creative, Tourism and Sports Innovation Hub within the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that the agreement was sealed on Thursday between the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the federal ministry of arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy (FMACTCE), according to a statement issued on Friday by Nneka Anibeze, media aide to Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa.
The project, designed as a public-private partnership (PPP), will feature an arts and culture museum, entertainment and performance centres, a mounted games arena, and a sports heritage pavilion. Other planned facilities include a youth-focused entrepreneurship hub, eco-friendly hospitality buildings, a family recreational park, cultural lounges, and marketplaces.
Speaking at the signing, Musawa praised NSC chairman Shehu Dikko for initiating the project, saying it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of empowering young Nigerians through sports and the creative industry.
“For young Nigerians, one of the things the President has always focused on is building a better future for Nigeria, and the best way to do that is to diversify in the areas of sports and the creative industry,” she said.
“Partnering with the sports industry through this MoU will bring new focus and ideas. This partnership has the power to empower the young generation, teach them about our culture, and provide capacity building.”
Musawa added that the project would boost the economy, create jobs, and help tackle insecurity, calling it “a new dawn” if replicated across the states.
On his part, Dikko said the hub would transform the MKO Abiola Stadium into a year-round sports and cultural city.
“We need to invest and revamp our sports facilities to have around 4,000 activities around the clock,” he said.
“This project will showcase our history, sports, and culture. We are committed to its success and will leverage existing structures to build value for creatives. I assure you of my team’s diligence to provide all the support needed to succeed.”
